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Going On Vacation? You Need To Know These Tips

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Fully enjoy your holiday vacation with these home security tips.

The holidays are one of the busiest travel times of the year. No matter if you are headed to visit friends and family, or escaping all of the holiday madness on a tropical beach, leaving your house empty while you are gone can be very dangerous. Keep these holiday home security tips in mind to keep your house protected.

While you are getting ready:

  • Load your luggage in your garage if possible so any potential burglars don’t see that you are leaving. If your garage is not an option, load your luggage into your vehicle as fast as possible.
  • Let your neighbors know that you are leaving and how long you will be gone. Ask them to keep an eye on your house and call the authorities about any suspicious activity.

Make your home look occupied:

  • Install a few timers on lights in your house to go off at different times of the night. You may also want to install a timer on a radio or TV so that your house sounds occupied.
  • Keep your blinds and curtains at their normal positions. If you keep your blinds open, make sure there are not valuables that are visible through your windows.

Don’t be a target for thieves:

  • Do not post on social media how long you will be gone or when you are leaving. Thieves regularly look on social media sites and will know just how much time they have to break into your house.
  • Bring any hidden keys inside or give them to a trusted neighbor to check on your house while you are away.

Having the right homeowners insurance policy will help to keep your home protected while you are away. Contact Cappuccino Insurance Agency in Westlake Village, California for all of your Conejo Valley home insurance needs.

Questions for Your Annual Insurance Review

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Determine if your current Westlake Village, CA insurance policies match your life needs.

During day to day life you may forget to update your insurance policies to match your updated lifestyle. Many think that paying your premiums and phoning your carrier when an accident happens keeps you protected, but if you change your lifestyle or value of your item, you will need to alter your insurance. A number of life changes and events should prompt you to call your insurance carrier and adjust your policy to maintain adequate coverage.

Here are five questions to ask yourself at least once a year:

1)    Have I updated my home?
If you added a room for your elderly parent, remodeled after the youngest child moved out, or added a pool in the back garden, your home value will increase. A higher home value will increase the cost of rebuilding the home, therefore your insurance should reflect the new home value and new risks.

2)    Have I bought significant purchases?
Expensive pieces such as a leather-couch, jewelry, and fine art should be covered by a homeowners policy or additional coverage. If the item is lost, damaged, or stolen, you may regret not opting for quality protection of it.

3)    What has changed with my vehicle?
Maybe you are driving a longer distance to work, or the garage finally has room to store the car overnight. Reviewing your auto insurance will ensure that you are not paying for what you are not using.

4)    What about my family?
When someone moves out or wants to be added to your auto policy, discuss it with your insurance agent for suitable coverage.

5)    Am I eligible for any discounts?
Simple steps can qualify you for discounts. This can include installing a burglar alarm for your home insurance, and parking your car in the garage for your auto insurance.

Remember that insurance policies should reflect the life you have now, not when you first signed up with your carrier. When looking for insurance policies in the Conejo Valley, California, visit Cappuccino Insurance Agency. We are located in Westlake Village and ensure that you receive complete coverage.

Is Your House Vulnerable to Ruin?

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Keep stable during shaky times with earthquake insurance in Westlake Village, CA.

In an area prone to earthquakes, very few people have earthquake insurance. Only 17 percent of Californians have an insurance policy that covers earthquake damage. In this area, earthquakes are a yearly occurrence and are one of the natural disasters to destroy houses and neighborhoods within minutes. Homes can be torn apart to the point of total devastation and homeowners can face extreme losses, both physically and financially. Earthquake insurance is designed to protect your assets during an earthquake, and if the home or possessions were to be damaged, to cover the replacement and rebuilding expenses. So why is there such a lack of coverage?

Unfortunately, earthquake coverage in the 1990’s has given the insurance type a bad rep. The coverage was very bare-bones and was typically limited to $5,000 in damages. Meaning that in the 1994 Northridge earthquake, if a home’s roof had been ripped off, $5,000 was not going to help the homeowners greatly. If you have fallen victim to this circumstance, we understand how important it is that you receive proper and full insurance now.

Luckily, modern insurance is different! Coverage is more expansive, affordable, and protective. Earthquake coverage can range from protecting the basics, to covering your garage and contents, and additional living expenses if you need temporary housing while your home is being repaired.

Taking effect on January 1, 2016, there will be new options for earthquake coverage including higher policy limits, deductible options, and mitigation discounts. If you own a home in California, an earthquake is an extremely likely disaster to face. Take a step into the major safety net that is earthquake insurance by contacting Cappuccino Insurance Agency in Westlake Village, CA.